How much teachers have shifted depends on experience (but not always), on understanding, courage, and imagination. We still sometimes have trouble letting go of old ways of thinking. Sometimes we still use new learning spaces in old ways. Some teachers still use new technology to do old things. External demands and time pressures often inhibit what we can do. But we’re constantly working on it and we know that we have changed.

It’s easy to talk about educational reform. Some inspiring educators have succeeded in entirely reinventing school. Take Monica Hardy’s Innovation Lab or Kelly Tenkely’s Anastasis Academy. Most teachers, however, are confined by the reality of life in their institutions, rules from above, expectations from outside, cultural and economic influences. While these may prevent the radical kinds of innovation that would rapidly transform education, change can happen, one school at a time, one class at a time, one teacher at a time, one idea at a time.

Do you have a teaspoon?

I honestly believe that the future is going to be millions of little things saving us. I imagine a big seesaw, and at one end this seesaw is on the ground with a basket half-full of big rocks in it. The other end of the seesaw is up in the air. It’s got a basket one-quarter full of sand. And some of us got teaspoons, and we’re trying to fill up sand. A lot of people are laughing at us, and they say, “Ah, people like you have been trying to do that for thousands of years, and it’s leaking out as fast as you’re putting it in.” But we’re saying, “We’re getting more people with teaspoons all the time.” And we think, “One of these years, you’ll see that whole seesaw go zooop in the other direction.” And people will say, “Gee, how did it happen so suddenly?” Us and all our little teaspoons…(Pete Seeger)

Discussion

5 thoughts on “From Teaching to Learning”

I agree with your premise, but see little evidence of large-scale, global change where I teach. Instead, I see the opposite happening with the ivory tower people shutting down innovation which threatens them.

Ed(na), As always, I am deeply enthused by your vision. Thank you for making the differences so explicit. Unlike the commenter above, I think this is exactly where the world is going, one teaspoonful at a time.

I like what you say about assessment for learning and assessment of learning.

It’s difficult for many to understand how students can achieve all of the Common Core Standards (or any standards) when units are so open-ended. But, when you start listing the standards and ticking off the standards you observe students accomplishing, the learning because authentic – and it “sticks” better.

Since I’m reading John Hattie’s book Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning I can relate to your what’s happening in your school. Have you used his work as a guide? I’d love to learn more about your journey.